The Maiko Experience

When I opened my email on April 1st, I got an email from a friend, Ms. M. I was suprised a little because she only emails me about once or twice a year. She started the email like this:
"While you were away, I changed. and i also changed my job!! Look at my pics!" (Look Below)
Ms. M works for an airline company, and it is a good job, so I was stunned to hear she changed job. But next when I looked at the photos, I was even more surprised...WOW! A Geisha! So I emailed her back something like this: "really? what happened?! you really became a geisha?!"]
and then she replied:
"its a joke!!
working as MAIKO , it has regulation. my age is out of that regulation.
maybe real MAIKO are under 20-year-old girls.
its long long ago....
SO I and my friend just experienced as MAIKO style."

She got me! I actually believed her april fool's prank email for a minute. I am sometimes gullible too....

The past couple of days have been really nice. And the cherry blossoms are in full bloom! It is fantastic! Spring has finally officially arrived! Let's enjoy it!

I know it is a little early for fireworks, but that is Okay.
"What's your favorite hanami memory?"
Read here for the answers of a few friendly people:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20100330vf.html

Great Pics Ms. M!!!

I'm back

Hi. Yesterday was April 1st, April Fool's Day. Did you play a prank(=an April Fool's joke) on anyone?

Just before arriving at Narita Airport at 4pm on Tuesday, the pilot said "There are clear skies and temperature in Tokyo is 9 degrees Celcius." I was surprised...9!? I was expecting around 15 or so degrees. It was much cooler than I expected. And then on Wednesday...it was dreary and rainy all day. But I am lucky because the cherry blossoms around here aren't in full bloom yet. In about a day or two, with some sun and warmer temperatures, I think they will fully bloom. I am looking forward to sitting under the blue sky and pink leaves and sipping some wine or having a lunch box or something like that...I do it every year, and every year it is special.

Cherry Blossoms...

I really hope that I don't miss them. From tomorrow I will take a little vacation and go back to America. According to the weather reports, the cherry blossoms are blooming about 5 to 10 days earlier this year than usual. Luckily for me, today it rained, and tomorrow it is supposed to rain and also stay cold. So maybe, I will be able to see the cherry blossoms when they are in full bloom when I get back. I hope...

Some random notes:
Did you see the "yellow sand" the other weekend? The sky was really yellow in Honmachi. I can't believe that comes all the way from China.

And, Ice Sledge Hockey is really a great sport! I really got into watching it last weekend. The Japanese lost to America in the finals, but that doesn't matter. Both teams played great!

And, if Baruto is going to become an Ozeki, then Sumo is in really bad shape!!!

I gotta go home and pack...

Adios.

St. Patrick's Day!!

Today, March 17th, is St Patrick's Day. It is the biggest Irish holiday of the year! Usually I go out and drink and celebrate, but this year I can't because I don't have time. It is a shame, but it is not a big deal. I will live. And I will save my celebration for another day! So for all of you crazy Irish folks celebrating today, please have a beer for me! Cheers!!!

For more on St. Patrick's Day, read here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick's_Day

Mexico

Good morning.

In a few minutes I will meet Ms. N. I am excited because I can hear all about her honeymoon to Mexico. She went to Cancun. I have never been to Cancun, but I know it is a popular vacation spot for Americans. I went to Cabos, Mexico a few years ago. It was my first time to Mexico and I really had a good time. The only thing that I didn't like about Mexico was the food. I don't like Mexican food so much. Once in a while Mexican food is OK, but every day for lunch and dinner...Pass!!

Have you ever been to Mexico?
If yes, how was it?
If not, do you wanna go someday?

Anyway, hearing about Mexico should be a great start to the week. Hope everyone has a good Monday too!

Okinawa

Ms. C went to Okinawa for the first time in her life. It had always been a dream of hers to go to Okinawa. When she told me she was going, I was very excited!! I have been to Okinawa twice, and I just knew that she would fall inlove with the Islands. But, on the day that she departed, there was an earthquake in Okinawa. And after that, the tsunami came to Japan as a result of the huge earthquake in Haiti. So I thought that her trip was ruined. I felt terrible for her. But god was smiling on her and her friend that weekend because fortunately for them, the sun was shining and the skies were blue and the ferries weren't cancelled because of the tsunami. According to Ms. C, the Okinawans said "Don't worry! relax!! A one or two meter wave is Normal!! Read below about her trip and look at the beautiful photos!

"Hi !!
It has been raining for several days…
So I organized my trip’s photos and I was remembering wonderful trip.
I attached several photos of my trip to Ishigaki.(difficult to select)

●first photo…≪Kabira gulf≫
The color of sea is famous for changing seven colors.
So it was very beautiful color!!

●second photo…≪Kabira gulf≫
I rode the ship that I could see in the sea.(the bottom of the boat is made of clear glass)
I could see many kinds of beautiful fish, shell, starfish and coral.


●third photo…≪Okinawa’s traditional style houses in Taketomi island≫
The contrast of blue sky, red roof, green leaf, tropical color flower was very beautiful!!
I can see the black smoke of ship accident!!!!!

●fourth photo…≪Nishinohama beach in Kuroshima island≫
When I entered this beach I was impressed very much.
The color of sea was very beautiful and clear.
Additionally, there was no people without us, so it was our private beach!!
We ate box lunch there while we were watching beautiful sea.
It was very luxurious time for us.

Oscar Fashion

The Oscars are always fun for fashion. If you are interested in fashion, then you should check out the winners and losers of the fashion at this year's Oscars.
Click below:
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1970406,00.html?xid=rss-topstories

Below are some photos from New Year's at Mr. I's house. He live in Nara, which used to be the capital of Japan. Nara has a lot of history, and actually I lived there for 3 years.
I forgot to put these photos up on the blog, but better late than never. So, here they are. Thanks Mr. I!

Dolphins

"The Cove" won the best Documentary Oscar.
I am sure all of you have heard about this movie. It features the killing of dolphins in the small town of Taiji. This town has a long history, over 300 years, of whale and dolphin hunting. A lot of the culture and industry in Taiji are related to the dolphins and whales.
Some people think "What's the big deal?! Cows, pigs, chicken, rabbits, duck, dolphins, whales...It all the same. People eat animals. Plain and simple." But others care about how the animals are slaughtered and think it is absolutely horrible and unforgivable to murder dolphins like that. It is a controversial, as well as international, topic. What do you think? And, will you see the movie when it comes to Japan?
If you are interested in my opinion, please ask me in class. I will be happy to share my thoughts.

While on the topic of whale, which are an endangered species, have you ever eaten whale? I have. I have tried raw whale a few times at a sushi restaurant which I frequent often. I liked it, it was OK. I thought it tasted like roast beef. But if I have a choice, I prefer to eat yellow tail or tuna or sea bream or basically anything else instead of whale. In other words, it was good to experience once or twice, but I don't need any more of it.
Btw, did you know that whale used to be served in the school lunches at schools all around Japan? Below is an interesting article about this topic. Check it out.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_japan_oscars_dolphin_hunting

After all of this serious talk so early in the morning, I think I need to go out and have a few drinks, eat some good bar food, and just chill out tonight.

8:30pm

That's what time I went to sleep last night. On Sundays, I am usually in dream land by 10pm, but 8:30pm is a first! I think it is a world record for the earliest time to go to sleep on a Sunday for a 35 year old guy. It is not so exciting, but thanks to that, I feel chipper this morning!

On Saturday night, I went to a great restaurant. Ms. T recommended it to me. It was perfect!! I owe her!
If you are interested, check it out. It is in Kyomachi-bori, a small place, good food, nice atmosphere, and nice staff. The name if the place is "Bistro Grits"
http://www.grits.jp/bistro/

Below is a photo I got from my brother. He drove to Toronto the other day in the snow.
Do you understand the sign "Yield to Pedestrians"?

I hope this week is sunny...

Tsunamis, Vancouver, and Egypt

First of all, can anyone tell me, what was that last Sunday?! When I woke up and turned on the tv, there was nothing but news about the Tsunami(a tidal wave)...coming to Japan...coming to almost all of the coasts of Japan from Okinawa to Hokkaido (I think the coasts connected to The Japan Sea and the Inland Sea were safe.) According to the news, this Tsunami was a result of the huge earthquake in Chili. So, there were constant warnings scrolling on the top of my tv screen, and also there was a big map of Japan on the bottom right corner of the screen. It was really annoying. Now, don't get me wrong, I understand that a Tsunami is very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage as well as even causalities, but come on...That news was overblown! Exaggerated! Haven't you ever heard of the famous tale, "The boy who cried wolf"?! I hope that the government and broadcasting companies use more common sense the next time! It's not good to induce panic!

Also, the Vancouver Olympics wound up on Sunday too.
The following are some interesting quotes about The Games.
"What will you remember about the Vancouver Olympics?"
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20100302vf.html

I have a lot of memories.
First and foremost, I loved watching Takahashi. His skating and demeanor was impressive!
Next, I will remember the women's mogul's. Aiko was great!!! But the American Gold medalist winner was the best!!!
And I will also remember watching a Korean speed skater get disqualified for basically doing nothing. A similar thing also happened to another Korean speed skater in the Olympics before, when Ohno (an American) over-reacted and complained to the judges. I think the Koreans got robbed!!
I could go on and on, but I have to wrap it up and get ready for class.

Below are Mr. I's nice photos from his recent trip to Egypt. Check them out!

Taxes...and Kyushu and Plum Blossoms

Good morning. Welcome to March.
I liek March, and in March there are cherry blossoms and it gets warmer and spring comes. But there is one thing I don't like about March. It is Taxes!
Recently I have been busy preparing for my income taxes. I am almost finished. Just a few small minor corrections to make...Taxes are annoying, but like everyone else, it is my duty, so I have no choice. The deadline for filing taxes is March 15th, but I have already prepared everything, and I don't want to procrastinate and wait til the last minute, so I will go to the tax office and file my taxes and pay sometime this week. I am looking forward to putting this behind me, and moving on.

Last week I received a "happy email" from Ms. e about her trip to Kyushu. I was happy to hear she had a good time and I was also impressed with her photos this time. They were very clear and beautiful. I especially like the one of plum blossoms. Recently, at Osaka park there are many plum blossoms in bloom. Compared to cherry blossoms, not so many people go to see them, so the parks are not so crowded. And plums blossoms are lower than cherry blossoms, so you can smell them. Have you ever tried? If not, you should. They have a pleasant smell.

The following is Ms. e's "happy email" about her trip:
I went to Fukuoka and Kumamoto from last Friday.My main purpose was to see Kabuki at "Hakata-za"theater.On Friday,I flew to Fukuoka from Itami early morning.First,I visited to Dazai-fu Tenmangu Shrine.It was really famous shrine as A God of learning and plum trees.So many students visit there and pray their success of passing examination
or progress of study.
I was really surprised because most of the visitors were Korean!!There were no American and European tourists.I was back to the center of Hakata ciy and I ate Ramen for lunch.It was nice.I enjoyed Kabuki and after that I met my ex-division manager and ex-coworker.They took me to a nice sea food restaurant.The food was really nice especially row fish.And we went to two bars so I drunk too much.On Saturday,I watched Kabuki and I went to Kumamoto by JR express.Recently,I don't have a chance to take JR train in local area.The express train was stylish.On Sunday,I visited to The Kumamoto castle.I like to seeing castles so I was really excited.The castle is one of the best 3 excellent castle in Japan.It was amazing.I really liked it.I enjoyed hanging around the castle and watching inside buildings.
And I visited some places in Kumamoto city.Kumamoto city was a historical city ,so there were many famous places.At the Kumamoto airport,I ate Ramen for dinner! (and beer)Usual I don't eat Ramen but I ate twice during my trip!I have been to Kyushu many years ago,but I didn't go to Hakata and the castle.
so this trip was wonderful for me.

The duck

The other day, my bicycle got a flat tire. So after riding around on the flat tire for a day, I decided to get it fixed. I went to the bike-repair shop which I always go to. It is right around the corner and the onwer is a friendly guy. In about 5 minutes, he fixed it for me and off I went...

Last week it really warmed up. I am happy and excited for spring. And the cherry blossoms!!

This is the last blog of February...Unbelievable...2 months in 2010 have already passed. Time flies...too fast.

I haven't had the opportunity to go see this duck yet. Have you? I heard it is really cute...

Go Mao!!

Today is the day everyone has been waiting for. The beginning of the Women's Figure Skating! First the short program, and then on Friday the finale! You can bet that all people in Japan and Korea will have their eyes glued to the tubes for this one! Mao, the Japanese star, has been a media-phenom in Japan since she was 15 years old. And Kim, the Korean star, is a huge star in Korea and the favorite to win the Gold. Who do you predict will win? I predict _____ to win. (Please fill in the blank with your prediction.) Predictions aside, I am rooting for Mao. Who are you rooting for? If Mao wins, it will be a historic event in Japan. Almost the same as when Japan beat Korea in the World Baseball Classic. I am psyched for it!

This article should get you ready for the festivities:

"Favorites don't always come through, warns Ando" http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/so20100222a2.html

In December I saw the car below every night when I walked home. It was nice. I hope next year Midosuji is lit up again

Cars, Licenses, and Tolls

Do you have a car?
I don't. But in the future, I plan to buy one. But I haven't decided what kind of car to buy yet. If you have any good advice, please tell me.

Many guys are fascinated with cars. Some like sports cars, others prefer SUVs or convertables. What kind of car do you like?
Personally, if I am driving, I prefer a big-type car like a jeep or SUV. But, if I am sitting in the passenger's seat, then I don't care. Anything is OK.
When I was in high school I drove my grandfather's old Toyota. After that, I drove my father's old-beat up Honda. Recently, Toyota recalled many cars because of a defect in the pedal as well as some other problems. But I think Toyota makes the best cars in the world, so I hope they can fix the problem soon and get back on track.

About driver's licenses, in America it is much cheaper to get one. In Japan, I heard it costs about 3000$ to get a driver's license...That is absurd! Ridiculous! If it cost 3000$ in America to get a driver's license, NOBODY would get one. In that case, everyone would drive illegally without a driver's license. I know that is bad, but it is true.
I have an American driver's license. Also, I have an international driver's license. But I don't have a Japanese driver's license. So, I have to get one before I buy a car.

And about tolls. Are tolls still only 1000yen? Please tell me.

Below are photos which Mr. M took at the Osaka Motor Show last year.

Snow and the Olympics

In Philadelphia last week, there was an enormous snow storm. Did you hear about it? Did you see it on the news? Below are pictures from outside my parent's house. It looks like a winter wonderland! I can't imagine having to shovel all of that snow. Both of my parents said, "I have seen many big storms in my life, but this is by far the biggest! Without a doubt, this is the biggest snow storm I have ever seen in my life!!"

While on the topic of snow, I am sure many of you have been watching the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. When I can, I watch it live, but usually I just catch the highlights. So far, I have enjoyed watching The Games. And I have an advantage, which is: I can root for two countries, America and Japan. Below I will write some "Olympic English." Let me know if you don't understand anything.

1. The Opening Ceremony was held indoors for the first time ever.
2. Kokubo, the young snowboarder, was criticized and reprimanded for not tucking in the shirt of the Japan National Team's uniform. Later, when asked about his appearance, he half-heartedly apologized.
3. Aiko finished in fourth place in the Mogul Competition. It was her 4th Olympic appearance in a row.
4. Mr. X qualified for the final round. Mr. Y didn't make the finals.
5. Mr. W was disqualified.
6. Ms. A won the gold/silver/bronze medal.
7. I can't believe she missed that easy jump. She choked!
8. She did it! She beat all odds! She's the champ.
9. "I ski for myself, not for tv, or the fans, or my country."
10. You think of one!

Nabe

Thankfully, winter is coming to an end. In the past, my hands and feet were always cold. However, this year was a little different. I don't know if it was because I bought new "heat-tech" long johns, or if it is because of my new heater, or maybe something else...But this year, I was so cold. I admit that there were a few freezing days, but all in all, this wineter was not so cold I think.
However, in my hometown, Philadelphia, it was a different story. Philly got loads of snow this year. I like snow if I am skiing. And snow is beautiful to look at. But shovelling snow is no fun at all. Have you ever shovelled snow?
And the end of winter, means the end of "Nabe (Hot Pot)" food. I ate Nabe a few times this winter. It was good. And healthy! Nabe food always warms up the room and the body.

This topic is a little old but please read. It is good study.
What do you make of yokozuna Asashoryu's shock announcement that he will retire?

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20100209vf.html

Nabe(Hot Pot)

Sashimi(Raw Fish)

Valentine's Day

Valentine`s Day in America and in Japan are very different.

In America, Valentine`s day is a day only for couples. Couples usually go on a date and exchange gifts.

The TOP 5 gifts that men give women are:

1. A dozen red roses

2. Jewelry

3. Lingerie

4. Chocolate * I don't recommend giving chocolate though. The reason: many women are on a diet, thus are not interested in chocolate.

Some popular gifts for me are:

1. Clothes (a shirt, neck-tie, etc.)

2. Cologne

3. Silk boxers

In Japan, Valentine's Day is a totally different story.

Basically, only women give chocolate to men. And in Japan, there is something called "Giri- chocolate", which loosely translates to "duty chocolate." Women give this chocolate to friends, co-workers, or bosses who are men. This is unheard of in America.

And, in a month or so there is "White day." On this day, men reciprocate and give chocolate gifts to the women who gave them chocolate on Valentine's Day.

In America, there is no "White day."

In Japan, Valentine`s Day is great for the chocolate industry. I heard that they make 70% of their yearly profit on February 14th. That`s crazy...

I was lucky again this year and received some lovely chocolate and beer from a few people.

Thank you all so much!

However, every year the number of people who give me something seems to decrease...Sad ;(

Skiing

Hey, how was your weekend?

Look at the below fabulous photo. Mr. Mak sent it to me. He went skiing with his wife and friends the past two weekends. Two weekends in a row. The first weekend he went to Nagano. Then the second weekend, he went to Gifu Prefecture. I have never been to Gifu. And I have not been skiing in a long time. The last time I skied was maybe 15 years ago in Vermont. As I have gotten older, I have grown to dislike the cold mroe and more. This is one of the reasons I have not gone skiing for so many years. I guess, if I have a vacation, I prefer to go to the beach. But after looking at the photo below, I got a little inspired and I though that some day, I want to go skiing again. The scenery looks magnificent! Thanks for the inspiration Mr. Mak!

Takoyaki-"Octopus Balls"- in Philadelphia

That's right! I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the below article which my father sent to me. A Takoyaki shop will open right in the middle of Philadelphia, downtown. For all the details read below:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/michael_klein/
table_talk/20100121_Table_Talk__

A_Japanese_street_food_comes_to_a_Phila__street.html

I like Takoyaki, but I don't eat it so often. I eat it about two times a year. How often do you eat Takoyaki, which are loosely translated to "Ocotopus balls" in English.
Japanese people also like to have "Takoyaki House Parties." They invite a bunch of friends over their house, and everyone sits around and talks and makes takoyaki. I have been to a few of those parties, and they are fun. But to be honest, I don't like making takoyaki. I have two reasons. First, it is not fun and tiring. Second, I am not good at making takoyaki, so the balls I make always are burnt or the shape is strange. Are you good at making takoyaki balls?

Barefoot running and "Setsubun"

On my days off, usually I spend time outside. In particular, I like rivers, waterfalls, and the ocean. I like to walk, jog, cycle...basically anything is OK, as long as it is outside. About running, the other day Mr. M sent me an article about jogging barefoot. According to the below article, as well as other well-respected research institutes, barefoot running is actually better for the body, especially legs, than running with sneakers. Can you believe that?! Well, it is true.
When I was in high school, I used to run barefoot on the beach. I liked it very much. When it gets warmer this spring, I want to try to run barefoot again.
However, there is one problem. In Japan, where feet are a very touchy topic and everyone takes off their shoes before entering their homes, I wonder if barefoot running can be accepted? What do you think?
This is the article:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/

news/science/biology_evolution/article7007116.ece

Below are pics of me and my "training ground"

And did you know that today is a special day in Japan.
Today is a festival in Japan, called "Setsubun" in Japanese.

"Sestubun" is a ritual in Japan, and always held on February 3rd every year. In Japan, people do a few unique (some people may think strange) things on this day. First, you must eat soy beans on this day. And you must eat the same number of soy beans as your age plus one. For example, I am 35 years old, so I have to eat 36 beans tonight. And before you eat the beans, you have to throw many beans outside the house yelling "Get out of here bad luck!!!" . And at this time, someone=this is my role, must wear a demon mask and go otuside and all of the beans are thrown at and hit this masked demon guy. After that, you have to throw many beans inside the house saying "Come in good luck!!!" Then, when everything is all finished, someone has to clean up all the beans on the floor. Usually this is my job too. ;(
The next activity is eating rolled sushi. Here are the rules for when you eat the roll sushi.
First, you must face the lucky direction while eating.
I am not sure what the lucky direction is this year, sorry.
And while eating it, you should say a wish, or pray for something or many things.
And don't forget, while eating it you can not talk at all. Complete silence.